KOHAT – A violent clash erupted during a funeral gathering in the Ghoonda Cheshna area of Gumbat, Kohat, on late Wednesday, leading to the deaths of two individuals, including a woman, and leaving 14 others injured. The attack has shocked the local community and brought renewed attention to a long-standing tribal dispute believed to be at the root of the violence.
According to rescue sources, the injured include women and children who were attending the funeral when the assailants opened fire. Emergency response teams rushed the victims to the Divisional Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Kohat. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and are being transferred to more advanced medical facilities for specialized treatment.
Local sources indicate that the tragedy is the latest in a series of violent confrontations stemming from a prolonged enmity between two rival groups in the area. While the exact origin of the dispute remains unclear, it is believed to be rooted in longstanding tribal or land-related tensions that have spanned several years. Sporadic clashes and retaliatory attacks have occurred in the past, but this incident marks one of the most deadly in recent times.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway. Police are attempting to identify those involved and prevent any further escalation of the conflict. Authorities have also increased security in and around the village to prevent additional retaliatory attacks.
Community elders and local leaders have called for immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and have urged both parties to settle their differences through dialogue. There are growing demands for government intervention, with residents emphasizing the need for law enforcement to curb the cycle of violence and restore peace in the region.
Incidents of tribal or inter-family feuds turning violent are not uncommon in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in rural or semi-tribal areas, where disputes over property, honor, or local influence can often take a deadly turn. The latest attack highlights the urgency of addressing these underlying conflicts through stronger governance, community engagement, and justice mechanisms.
As the investigation continues, the people of Gumbat remain gripped by fear and uncertainty, hoping the latest bloodshed will not trigger a new wave of violence.
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